What You Need to Know About 3rd Gen 4Runner Supercharger Reviews: Is It Really Worth It?
3rd gen 4runner supercharger reviews worth it? Toyota 4Runner has been around for decades, and many people love this model. In fact, it is one of the most popular Toyota SUVs you can find on the market. For those that own a model from this series, installing a supercharger is a common idea.
But is installation worth it? What can you expect from a supercharged 4Runner, and what do you need to know before you dive into the process? Let’s find out!
Getting a 3rd Gen 4Runner Supercharger
If you own a Toyota 4Runner, there are a couple of things to know before you go shopping for a supercharger. The third generation started in 1995, but the vehicle had been in development since 1990. One of the first things to notice here is that there were significant changes in design, and this series of 4Runner used a brand new chassis.
Furthermore, almost every year of the third generation offered a couple of improvements as well, which is why it is essential to know the year your car was manufactured before you start looking for a blower. The last model in the series was made in 2002, which also marked the beginning of the fourth generation.
[read more]The History of Toyota 4Runner
The story of the Toyota 4Runner started in 1983. This car went by the name Toyota Hilux Surf in Japan, but it was withdrawn in 2009. The first series of 4Runner was designed as a compact SUV. But over the years, it evolved into a cross between midsize and compact SUV. As for the name of the SUV, it is a play on the name forerunner since the vehicle was designed as a sport utility SUV with 4×4 capability.
Today, 4Runner is one of the longest-lasting vehicles in the U.S., and it ranked fifth on the list just before Ford Expedition. Currently, this cross SUV is in its fifth generation.
Engine Options
One of the most important things to know when choosing a supercharger is the type and size of the engine. Since the vehicle has been around since the eighties, there have been numerous different options.
We can take a look at the differences between each generation and what engines they had to offer:
- The first generation from 1984 to 1988 – 2.0L, 2.4L, 3.0L l4 for the gasoline, and 2.4L for Diesel
- The second generation from 1989 to 1994 – 2.0L, 2.2L, 2.4L, 3.0L (V6), for the gasoline, and 2.4L, 2.8L, and 3.0L for Diesel
- The third generation from 1995 to 2001 – 2.7L l4 and 3.4L V6 for the gasoline, and 3.0L l4 for Diesel
- The fourth-generation from 2002 to 2008 – 4.0L V6, 4.7L V8 for the gasoline, and 3.0L l4 for Diesel
- The fifth-generation from 2009 – 2.7L l4, 4.0L V6 for the gasoline versions
This is why it is essential to know the exact model of the engine so you can find an appropriate supercharger.
Similarities With Other Models
Toyota Trekker acted as a prototype for 4Runner, and it was manufactured between 1981 and 1983. As the first generation of 4Runner became available on the market, it still shared similarities with other models by Toyota. For example, Toyota HiLux was mechanically identical to 4Runner during this time period.
Similarly, 4Runners in the third generation shared engines with the first-gen Tacoma, which means that you can use the same blower on either of these models.
Finding a Supercharger
There are many different blowers you can find on the market, and as we mentioned, the crucial thing is to know the type of engine. While other parts of the vehicle might be different, the type of engine will determine which supercharger you need.
As we talked about before, it is possible to find a 4Runner that has the exact same engine as the Toyota Tacoma. What this means is that you will be able to use the same blower on either of these cars. So, as long as you know the series of the engine, you can go looking for the supercharger for your 4Runner.
Different Versions of Blowers for 4Runner
Everyone knows that superchargers come in different shapes and sizes. The most popular models for racing are based on Roots blowers, but you can find other types as well. For Toyota 4Runner, you can choose between many different models based on the year and engine in your car.
This includes blowers with a twin-screw design like Whipple, but also Roots-type. It all comes down to what you’re trying to achieve with the supercharger.
Reliability With TRD Supercharger 4Runner
Probably the first thing you would want to know is how reliable Toyota TRD is. Well, the answer is a lot. All vehicles from the TRD series are improved compared to the stock models, and if you decide to supercharge the engine, the difference will be more than noticeable.
Needless to say, choosing the right supercharger will play an important role, and you will need to find one that’s suitable for the type of engine in your TRD 4Runner. Supercharging the engine will significantly improve the performance, which will also increase reliability. So, investing in such an upgrade is always a good idea.
The next question is, how much is the TRD supercharger kit? Is it worth it? Who makes the kit now? Where to find one? We’ve put together a quick guide to answer these very questions and more.
What Is a TRD Version
For those of you unfamiliar with the term, TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, and the vehicles from this series are more focused on performance. Naturally, the 4Runner is not the only model with the TRD nametag, and you can also find Tacoma, Sequoia, and Tundra with the same label. In 2020, Toyota decided to add Camry, RAV4, and Avalon to the TRD series.
The TRD models are newer, and TRD 4Runner was introduced in 2014. It has TRD-tuned front springs, TRD accessories, and the best hardware you can find on Toyota vehicles.
Modern 4Runner
Since we scratched the surface while talking about the TRD series, we should take a look at modern 4Runners and how they have improved over the years. Each generation of vehicles offered something new, and with the TRD Pro models, we have unique colors, improvements, and parts.
| Series | SR5 | TRD Sport | Trail SE | SR5 Premium | TRD Off-Road | TRD Off-Road Premium | Limited | TRD Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unique features | TSS-P | X-REAS Suspension | 17-inch wheels | New seats | 17-inch wheels | Part-time 4WD system | 20-inch wheels | 17-inch wheels |
| Engine | 4.0L V6 engine | 4.0L V6 engine | 4.0L V6 engine | 4.0L V6 engine | 4.0L V6 engine | 4.0L V6 engine | 4.0L V6 engine | 4.0L V6 engine |
New 4Runners all have a 5-door body style, they are available in a 5-speed automatic version (4-speed was available in 2010), and they are exceptional. You can choose between the standard and TRD Pro trim, and both versions can be further upgraded with superchargers.
Fifth Generation of 4Runner
It is worth mentioning that there have been a few changes even if we focus on the current generation of 4Runner. The series was unveiled in 2009, and the model year started in 2010. The series offered three different trim levels, and you can find base SR5, 2WD, and 4WD types.
| 2WD | 4WD |
|---|---|
| 2.7 L | 4.0 L |
| 157 hp | 270 hp |
The first change in design was for the 2014 model year when 4Runner received a facelift. We already mentioned the TRD Pro trim level, which was introduced for the 2015 model year. Each of the following years offered different colors, limited trims, and additional accessories.
Engine Choices With 5th Generation
For choosing the supercharger, the most important part of the vehicle is the engine. With the fifth generation, we have two different engine options:
- 2.7 L 2TR-FE l4 engine
- 4.0 L 1GR-FE V6 engine
The first type was available in the SR5 2WD model in 2010, while the 4.0 L is in the majority of other vehicles. The engine offers up to 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque (V6 version), while the 2010 model had 157 horsepower. Both types of engines are gasoline, and the fifth-gen 4Runner doesn’t have a Diesel version.
Are Superchargers Universal?
No. Superchargers are not universal. You can’t use the same Tacoma supercharger on different vehicles unless these vehicles use the same engine. For example, the fifth generation of 4Runner mostly used the 4.0L engine, which means that you can use the same blower on any of these cars.
However, if you own a 2.7 L model from 2010, you will need to find a different blower. The same thing applies to any other series, and you could use the same blower as on the Tacoma, but only if it shares the engine with the 4Runner.
V6 Performance Supercharger
Improving the performance of your 4Runner is easy with a supercharger, and you can find so many different models on the market. If we are talking about a V6 engine, the first model was introduced with the first generation of 4Runner, and it was a 3.0-liter gasoline engine.
Vehicles that had V6 engines are:
- 3.0 L gasoline between 1988 and 1989
- 3.0 L gasoline between 1989 and 1994
- 3.4 L gasoline between 1995 and 2001
- 4.0 L gasoline between 2002 and 2008
- 4.0 L gasoline starting from 2009
Based on the generation of your 4Runner, you will have different options. Usually, you will be able to choose between twin-screw blowers, Whipple, and Roots.
Installing a Blower
Once you find the supercharger of your dreams, you can start thinking about the installation process. The simplest way to approach the problem is to visit your local shop and ask them to install the supercharger in your 4Runner.
While this will increase the overall price tag, you will eliminate the possibility of something going wrong during the installation. The process will take around twelve hours, and you’ll be able to enjoy your new supercharged Toyota.
Can You Do It by Yourself?
Yes. If you have any experience with engines and installation, you’ll be able to do it alone. Our recommendation is to buy a supercharger kit since it will arrive with all the necessary parts you will need for the installation.
You won’t need to order anything else, and each part that requires replacement will arrive in the kit. This means that the only other thing you will need is tools for the installation. It is worth mentioning that the majority of manufacturers will include an instruction manual, and you can follow the step-by-step guide while installing a blower. However, if you don’t feel comfortable doing it all alone, leaving the installation to professionals might be a better option.
Supercharger Maintenance – 3rd Gen 4runner Supercharger Reviews Worth It
Superchargers don’t require any special maintenance. But this doesn’t mean that you can just install one and leave it there forever. You will still need to replace the oil in the blower regularly, and the time between changes is usually specified by the manufacturer. Furthermore, they will also mention which type of oil is ideal for their supercharger, and getting it will ensure you get the best possible results.
Generally speaking, you should replace the oil in the blower as often as you replace it in the engine. Make sure to check out the instruction manual to learn all the details about the supercharger you plan to buy.
How Can a Blower Improve Your Vehicle
Supercharging the engine will allow it to burn more fuel, providing more power to the output. Of course, the power increase is mostly based on the type of engine and the supercharger model you get. In general, you can expect more than a 40% increase in horsepower compared to the stock version of the engine.
It is possible to find models that will improve the performance even further, but they are usually more expensive. So, you can expect to notice a significant change in horsepower and torque, which will completely transform the engine allowing it to work even better.
3rd Gen 4runner Supercharger Reviews Worth It – Other Ways To Improve Performance
Installing a supercharger is just one of many ways to boost performance. But the change in power will be significant with a blower, and nothing else would be able to compare with the increase. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t combine several different methods for the best possible results.
You can also try to upgrade:
- Cold air intake
- Exhaust system
- Air filters
- Software
- Weight
- Wheels
Each of these upgrades will improve the performance, and while it is not as impressive as supercharging the engine, it will still allow the car to run better.
Types of Superchargers
We already mentioned that there are many types of blowers you can find on the market, but let’s take a second to talk about them.
In general, the most popular option for cars is positive displacement pumps. They push more air into the combustion chamber, which allows the engine to burn more fuel. Drivers usually go for either twin-screw or Roots-type superchargers. Both come in many different options, like the well-known Whipple. It is up to you to find the model you enjoy since each type will offer different results.
Is It Worth It?
3rd gen 4runner supercharger reviews worth it? If you can afford to supercharge the 4Runner, then the answer is 100% yes. You will notice a significant increase in horsepower, and you will feel like you bought a brand new car. Keep in mind that getting a blower will cost you between $4,000 and $7,000 based on the model you like, and you will need to add the cost of the installation.
Since it is cheaper to supercharge the engine than it is to buy a new car, installing a blower is one of the most popular things for drivers that want better results from their vehicles. So, the answer is yes. Considering the change you will notice, it is always a great idea to help your engine run as intended.
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